The First Step...

I have often wondered why somebody didn't do something to make the world a better place.  And then I realized... I am somebody!

And you are somebody, too.

We don't need to wait for someone else to do something.  We can do small things every day to make the world better.

Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, it makes you feel great too? It is almost impossible to be helpful to others without receiving some type of benefit for yourself as well.  It makes you wonder why people don't do more.

Really, it's not that hard.  It can be as simple as a kind word.  Or maybe you hold the door for someone.  If someone (especially the elderly) drop something, pick it up for them.

And the easiest thing of all?  Offer a smile!  It doesn't cost you anything and it could be just what that person needed.  You could be the highlight in a potentially dark day.

I agree with Gandhi when he says, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Things are always changing, but it seems to me that if we each make good choices and make a conscious effort to do good deeds, then we would all be much happier.

I have a theory.  I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can certainly change MY world.

See if this makes sense to you.  If I am a good person and try to be helpful and set a good example for those around me, then just maybe my immediate sphere of influence (my family and friends) will be inspired by my actions and they will do the same.

And if they do... they will in turn inspire those around them to be kind and helpful.  So now we have grown from one good-hearted person to one good-hearted family to a good-hearted community.

And we have all heard about that one community who all got together to help someone or fix something.  I recently saw one person (my friend Nicole) inspire a whole community.  She managed to get people to donate goods and services (and even money) to help the family of a young man who suffered a massive heart attack.  The family may not have made it through a tough time if not for her.

Nicole is a perfect example:  she is one person who made a decision to do what she could to help a family in need.  She inspired others to help out until very soon the whole community was involved in a Fund Raiser that was probably a much bigger event than what she expected.

But it was hard to not participate, because everyone got wrapped up in the passion of a good cause.

One person inspires a family who then inspire a community.  The community then inspires a town and then a state...  I think you see where this is going.  It's a never ending cycle.  The whole world could be inspired by the kindness of one person.  It's the Butterfly Effect.  The theory that the flapping wings of a butterfly in Florida could cause the wind to move enough to start a tornado in another part of the world.

So how do we start?  We take the first step.

I invite you to take the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge...

When you wake up in the morning, think of one person for whom you are Grateful.  Then send that person a card of Gratitude to thank them and let them know that you are happy that they are a part of your life.

It can be a friend or family member.  It could be someone who gave you great customer service.  It could be your old grade school or high school teacher.  It can be anyone who was there for you when you needed them or helped you with a challenge.

One person.  Every day.  For thirty days.

Imagine how those 30 people will feel when they receive your card.  They may also be inspired to do their own 30-Day Gratitude Challenge.  How long would it take to touch a million lives?  Not long at all!

And again there is an added benefit.  Imagine how great you will feel by sharing your gratitude with others.  Feeling gratitude and not sharing it, is like wrapping a gift and then not giving it.

To find out more about the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge, watch this video:

http://socgratitude.com/131767

And to find out more about an easy way to send your cards, watch this video:

www.sendoutcards.com/nickrepoli

Feel free to call me (617) 543-0482 or send an e-mail and I will walk you through the process.  It is so easy, and you will feel great!

I promise this Challenge will change your life (and possibly the lives of others).

This is the first step...

If you have any ideas about how to make the world a better place, feel free to share.  I am looking forward to brainstorming ideas on Personal Development, Leadership Skills, Being A Good Person, Doing Good Deeds and Random Acts Of Kindness as well as many, many other topics.

Peace and Love,
----- Nick